The story of how I got hired for this wedding always make me giggle… I had photographed the bride’s sister and best friend’s weddings a few years prior, and one day got an email from her groom Jeremy letting me know that he was going to propose to Heather and wanted to make sure that I was available to photograph their wedding. Just a few days after the proposal happened, I did a family session with the bride’s sister who was excited to tell me the news about her sister’s proposal – I just laughed and said, “I’ve know it was coming for months”! It was such an honour to be considered such an important part of this couple’s day so early on in their planning! Their day was picture perfect (Aroma Restaurant as a wedding venue is stunning!) and I loved every minute of it!
– Heather
Describe the vision/theme you had for your wedding in 5 words or less: We would say: “Warmth, intimacy and simple elegance”.
What are you favorite memories of your wedding day?
Bride: Seeing all of our friends and family gathered together and hearing our wedding party speeches… and let’s not forget the candy bar!
Groom:We named our tables after significant moments in our relationship but did not share this with our guests until we did our rounds after seating – it was endlessly entertaining to hear their guesses at meaning in the names, and in the process we relived some of the best parts of our relationship through their eyes.
Best wedding related decision: Honestly, it was hiring HRM to create our photographic record of the day. It’s amazing how easy it is to recapture the memories of each moment with a beautiful set of pictures to tell the story. If you need proof of this, you can ask them yourself – I hired HRM for the date before I even proposed to my bride!
Favourite detail: Aroma Restaurant, our wedding venue, was filled with our favourite details. Everything about the surroundings, from the vines running up the brick walls to the natural sunlight streaming through the glass atrium, spoke of earthy warmth and created an intimate atmosphere akin to getting married in an exotic, private garden.
Advice for future brides & grooms: Our advice: Roll with the punches – something WILL go differently than planned and the worst mistake would be to miss every other amazing part of the day worrying about it.
Would you change anything if you could do it all over again? It’s hard to say we would change anything – in many respects for us it was a perfect day.
Best surprise of the day: There were actually two: Firstly, watching the often times touching, and always hilarious, photo montage of Heather and I, compliments of her Maid of Honour. Secondly, there was the treat of a live musical/lyrical performance from the incredibly talented serving staff at Aroma.
VENDORS: Ceremony Location – Aroma Restaurant, London, ON | Reception Location – Aroma Restaurant, London, ON | Officiant (if not a church ceremony) – Ivan from Kettle Creek, London, ON | Cake – Razzle Dazzle Cupcakes, London, ON | Dress (designer and/or store) – Designer: Mikaella, Store: Nicholas & Elizabeth, London, ON
Wedding Planner – Self-planned | Flowers/Decorator – Forest of Flowers, London, ON | Hair/Makeup – Hair: Nova Vita, London, ON. Makeup: M.A.C. @ The Bay, Masonville Mall, London, ON | Caterer – Aroma Restaurant, London, ON | DJ – Aroma Restaurant, London, ON
WEDDING SONGS: Processional – Vivaldi – Concerto No. 1 in E major, Op. 8, RV 269, “Spring” | Recessional – Heavy D & The Boyz – Now That We’ve Found Love | Entrance – Black Eyed Peas – I Gotta Feeling | First Dance – Nora Jones – Turn Me On
Favorite HRM picture from the day (and why?): Without a doubt it would be the picture of Heather and I kissing on the stairs inside Aroma. The picture almost perfectly expresses the vision of our wedding, and frames so much of the atmosphere and detail that made it possible. Framed prints of this picture made its way under many family members’ Christmas trees this year.
